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Bear-Claw Necklace

Central Plains, Lakota (Teton Sioux), Cheyenne or Arapaho

Not on view

This necklace served as an emblem of bravery. Composed of forty-six bears’ claws, arranged by size, it would have taken years to assemble. Some tribes believed such ornaments were sacred and held special ceremonies to honor them. Revered for its ferocity and supernatural power, the grizzly bear was associated with both war and healing, and since ancient times, men have sought the animal’s spiritual help.

Bear-Claw Necklace, Grizzly bear claws, native-tanned leather, wool yarn, Central Plains, Lakota (Teton Sioux), Cheyenne or Arapaho

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